I recently bought some Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s for $320 + $22 [NZD] shipping ($275USD). Bought a budget amp, Topping TP20 for $100NZD incl shipping ($80USD). Not sure what it sounds like yet. I have an old amp which I plan on powering them off until the budget one arrives in the next few weeks...

I downsized and have two.   DT880/600 - They're good al around TripleFi 10 - They sound decent, good enough for travel   Done :)

Not recommending OP to get these but... these are vibrating headphones.   http://www.amazon.com/General-Electric-JASHO97745-Vibration-Headphones/dp/B000069J99   I've seen them before in stores, they vibrate with the bass. I'd say here isn't a great place to ask since the general interest...

I had a pair of HD555s once. Straight outta my laptop they made the said sounds. When i later acquired an amplifier, the problem disappeared.   If you're using a software equaliser, this is also likely the problem. Software equalisers distort sound when pushed more than a notch.

Comfy pads are horrendous sound wise   Quote:

I second that. IEMs are an excellent option for commuting. They're extremely portable and isolate very well while providing excellent sound quality. I don't have any recommendations myself but if I had nothing and wanted portable isolation, i would definitely be getting a pair of IEMs. You may...

My girlfriend likes my DT880 setup over my MS1 lol. They're not particularly in the same league but hey :p. Mostly about the soundstage

I dont recommend the Zalman mic. I get the comment that i'm too quiet all the time when i use it (PS3). I bought a "flexible mic" off ebay for $3 incl shipping? lol. Although you'll have to figure out how to get it next to your head yourself

My MS-1i which supposidly use the 125i's drivers are silver

I don't know how it compares to better DACs as this has been the best one i've ever owned and wont be upgrading anytime soon as money is short but.. There are several people here using the Monitor 02 with mid-fi systems. I'm using it with my Audiotailor Jade, i think chinesekiwi is using it with...

They look a bit silly but I have black hair so they kinda blend in. I also have the donut pads which make them look bigger. I mostly use them at work so i can hear people say things to me while i'm working since i have a pair of IEMs for outside. Although sometimes i take them outside with me on...

MS-1i.   My reasoning? You will always wonder what you're missing out on. I've read theres not much difference between the two but personally i haven't regretted my purchase of the MS-1i over MS-1.